Illinois Football: Updated Injury Report Prior to Facing Duke

Prior to Illinois Football taking on Duke in a sold-out rematch in Champaign, Illini head coach Bret Bielema provided encouraging health updates Thursday afternoon on two key players the program would certainly like to get back into rotation as soon as possible.

Linebacker Daniel Brown and wide receiver Jayshon Platt have both been working their way back from undisclosed soft tissue injuries. According to Bielema, neither is expected to play against Duke, but both appear to be very close to a return, giving Illinois another potential boost as the season moves forward.

So, what is the current status of the two Illini stars? The Illini head coach breaks down the outlooks for Brown and Platt. 

Daniel Brown nearing return for Illinois Football

Brown entered the season expected by many to be a key factor in coach Roger Cooper’s linebacker rotation after the staff consistently praised his efforts throughout the offseason. The Illini faced inconsistent linebacker play vs UAB, with a sloppy first half of poor tackling and missed reads turning into a much stronger and more productive second half, capping the Illini’s 42-23 win. Of course, having a major piece of your linebacker core certainly doesn’t help. 

That said, Bielema indicated that the veteran linebacker is getting closer to seeing the field. 

“Yeah, he’s going to travel (dress) with us. He’s been involved more,” Bielema said. “I don’t think he’ll play on Saturday, but very good chance next week.”

That would put Brown on track to potentially return against SIU, giving Illinois another opportunity to get him meaningful reps before the Illini open Big Ten play on the road against Ohio State.

Jayshon Platt continues making progress

Platt’s return could provide another major boost to an Illinois offense that has already shown plenty of promise with transfer QB Katin Houser under center.

The FAU transfer was reportedly having an excellent preseason camp before suffering an undisclosed soft tissue injury late in fall camp. Barry Lunney Jr’s offensive staff claims Platt and Houser had developed a strong connection during the offseason, according to the Illinois coaching staff, making his eventual return highly anticipated.

Bielema said Platt is also progressing toward a return.  However, the staff does not appear interested in rushing him back against SIU… Which makes sense when facing an FCS opponent that Illinois heavily outmatches and is expected to handle. 

“The good news is Jayshon keeps getting better,” Bielema said. “We’re going to actually probably travel (dress) him this week as well. He won’t play next week. But he’s moving in the right direction.”

With Illinois having the depth to manage without Platt for now, the priority appears to be getting him fully healthy. If that happens, his return could give Houser another established weapon as the Illini move deeper into their Big Ten schedule.